Austal USA launches second Hawaii Superferry

Austal USA has launched the second of two high-speed vehicle-passenger catamarans for Hawaii Superferry at its Mobile, Alabama, yard -- just months after the successful launch of the 127-meter LCS 2, Independence, built for the US Navy.

Hawaii Superferry's second high speed ferry shares the title of largest aluminum catamaran built in the U.S. with sister vessel Alakai, delivered last year.

"This launch is ahead of schedule and on budget, illustrating the advantages of follow-on hulls for ship construction," noted Austal USA President and Chief Operating Officer, Joe Rella.

Sea trials of the second Hawaii Superferry are scheduled to completed in November and December, with a contract delivery date in March of 2009.

The 113 m cat will offer a service speed of 40 knots and the capacity to transport 866 passengers and 282 cars. Unlike its sister ship, though, the second superferry is fitted with an angled 20-meter stern quarter, bi-fold ramp, for use in austere ports without shore-side loading facilities. The hydraulically operated aluminum ramp has a clear width of 4.5 meters and is designed for 42 metric ton trucks.

Powered by four MTU 20V 8000 M70s, the vessel continues Austal's strong association with MTU 8000 Series engines, which offer the world's highest power-to-weight ratio in their power range.

Delivering up to 12,200 bhp (9100 kW) of continuous power, MTU's Series 8000 offers a fuel consumption of less than 190g/kWh, while achieving IMO MARPOL NOx emission certification.

Upon completion of the latest Hawaii Superferry, Austal will have installed a total of 24 MTU 8000 Series diesel engines, proven in operation on six Austal vessels over the past four years.

Austal USA has also installed two 20V 8000 Series MTU in LCS 2 Independence, which is being certified in accordance with the ABS Naval Vessel Rules.